Accused AC killer now competent to stand trial

More than a year ago, Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge signed commitment papers for accused killer James Allen Green — but now medical experts say he is competent to stand trial.

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By Beverly Majors/Staff

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

By Beverly Majors/Staff

Posted Aug. 22, 2013 at 7:18 PM

By Beverly Majors/Staff

Posted Aug. 22, 2013 at 7:18 PM

More than a year ago, Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge signed commitment papers for accused killer James Allen Green — but now medical experts say he is competent to stand trial.

An Anderson County grand jury indicted the 65-year-old Green on Aug. 13 on criminal offenses, including first-degree murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and theft. He is being held in the Anderson County jail under bonds totaling $4 million.

He is to be arraigned in Criminal Court on Sept. 3.

Green is accused of killing 59-year-old Clinton resident Larry R. Snellings, who was working inside the South Clinton Pawn Shop on Nov. 7, 2011. Green had gone to the pawn shop and asked to see a shotgun, according to earlier reports.

When Snellings handed Green the shotgun, he reportedly loaded it with a shell he had brought with him and shot Snellings in the neck. Snellings reportedly tried to push the gun away when Green shot.

The pawn shop owner then reportedly pulled out his personal handgun and started shooting at Green as Green fled the store. Green's wife called 911 when her husband returned home with his clothes bloody and carrying a shotgun. He had sustained two gunshot wounds.

District Attorney General David Clark filed the petition for involuntary treatment several months later after a Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute official reported Green was not competent to stand trial. The evaluator's report said Green was psychotic with auditory and visual hallucinations and paranoia.

Records said the murder charge would not be dismissed against Green because of his commitment and that if at some point in the future his mental status changed, he would stand trial.

In April 2013, mental health officials from the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute testified that Green's progress was "remarkable." The mental health officials deemed Green competent, but opined that if his medications "are stopped, Mr. Green will relapse."